Lake birding habitat

Pelican Lake

Utah · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Pelican Lake is a productive birding destination in Utah, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/29/2026Ouray NWR -- Sheppard Bottoms4 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/25/2026Ouray NWR -- Sheppard Bottoms1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/25/2026Ouray NWR -- Sheppard Bottoms9 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/23/2026Pelican Lake1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

5/23/2026Pelican Lake1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/21/2026Pelican Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

25/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

California Quail

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

125/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

35/30/2026

Clark's Grebe

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Osprey

35/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Western Kingbird

35/30/2026

Common Raven

15/30/2026

Horned Lark

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

55/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

205/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

House Sparrow

45/30/2026

Lark Sparrow

35/30/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

35/30/2026

Western Meadowlark

25/30/2026

Bullock's Oriole

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pelican Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Pelican Lake for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pelican Lake?
Notable species at Pelican Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pelican Lake?
Birding at Pelican Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.